Based on the evidence of the first race, over 10.5F, the ground is soft but not that bad. The overall time was around 7 seconds slower than standard and the first two home ran the final 400 metres in 24.06s and 23.98s respectively. It would suggest a time of around 1m 40s for the 1M Classics, which would 4.6 seconds faster than the trial won by American King.

Sun appearing and a slight breeze. Last race was only 2 seconds slow, so ground certainly not heavy. Hope it doesn't dry too much.

Good afternoon Guys,

Back in München (last night) after a weekend trip to Paris/Longchamp.

Weather was generally overcast on Sunday morning, but it did brighten up later and was quite pleasant, around 20c.

I arrived at the course early, just after the first of a 10-race card (RP have omitted/missed the G1 Arabian 13.33 result) but as mentioned in my Sunday morning post i was only interested in the group races, and only one of these for a serious bet.

A sparse crowd early afternoon, especially in the grandstand and salons, although there were lots of families in the 'children entertainment' and 'picnic' lawns. By the start of the group races, more spectators arrived in the seating areas where i was, but nowhere near an Arc weekend. My pre-paid 20-euro ticket indicated 3rd stage, seat D52, but you could basically sit anywhere, in fact, i sat in one of the boxes to watch the 2000 guineas. I'm not sure i was allowed to, but staff was at a minimum. I even had a free coffee and biscuits in the Sea Bird Salon.

My first bet was in the Prix Poule d'Essai des Poulains (2000 guineas) but only a tenner EW on Good Guess (33/1) but it wasn't one as he finished 6th, although only 1.25L from a payout.

The following race, Prix Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (1000 guineas) was my primary reason for going to the meeting. As mentioned on Sunday, regular readers know i'm a big fan of Blue Rose Cen and i fully expected her to win. 2/1 ante post and bets at varying odds between 2.02 and 2.18 on here looked good pre-race as i thought she would be around 4/5. I had a good few quid in several bets on the PMU and was surprised/happy to see odds of 2.20 about 6-7 minutes before the off, but she was backed down to 1.80 and just before the off to 1.60. Note the GB ISP was 5/6f.

The race went more or less as expected although she missed the break a little, but was always prominent from her inside draw, racing in 3rd for most of the way. Looked to be travelling well in the false straight and off the final bend. Between the 300-400 metre marks, she was in 2nd place and i knew she would pick up the leader and go on to win, i still have a croaky voice to support this. She doesn't have the instant Frankel like acceleration, and it takes her circa 50 metres to hit full stride, but once she does, has a very good turn of foot and she won easily to my eyes. The winning distance of 1.75L doesn't really indicate her superiority and  the winning time was quicker than the boys 40 minutes earlier. I'm not an expert on actual track going, but i doubt it was very soft as offically announced and winning times throughout the afternoon supported this.

A very decent 3-year old filly, 4 races/4 wins over 8f at Longchamp and a 6-1-0 record from 8 runs overall. I've backed her in each of these 4 wins, so she's becoming a favourite of mine, but next stop is the Prix Diane (Oaks) in June and this is new territory. 6 wins have come with soft in the going description and the Diane is 2.5f further, irrespective of this, it will take a decent one to beat her. It could turn out to be a good field as the Gosdens trained Running Lion is entered, as is the Irish filly Tahiyra and the unbeaten French fillies Pensee Du Jour and Jannah Rose, who won the Prix Saint-Alary on Sunday. 

My only other bet was a small lay of Jannah Rose (8/5f). I left Longchamp after this race, but a good afternoon, financially and from an enjoyment perspective.

If there was a negative, i arrived back in Germany on time, but my bag didn't, hopefully it will be delivered later.

I love Arc weekend, but i can really recommend any racing fan to go to Longchamp on other occasions (including the trials meeting in September). Superb racing, relaxing, good view, free seating, no queues and small crowds.

Good luck and have a nice Tuesday all.

Good afternoon Guys,

Ascension day so a public holiday in several EU countries including Germany so a free day from the office for me, although the weather could have been better.

Day 2 of York, not a festival i'm a fan of although the general opinion of avid racegoers is that it's a nice course, but has it been punter friendly over the years.

It looks a tricky card this afternoon and there wasn't anything of note that jumped off the page when i looked at online RP earlier, but i will be playing one in the Listed sprint (4.00) the David Loughnane trained Walbank making his 3 year old debut. Consistent last season, running well on debut behind Noble Style at Ascot before winning an Egg and Spoon race over CD. A runner-up and 3rd place in the Norfolk and Molecomb stakes respectively followed and in each of these, issues at the start didn't help (stumbled and dwelt). Joint highest rated, course and going will not be a problem.

A 525,000 guineas buy at the Breeze-up sales by AMO racing, he was even thought good enough to take in the Nunthorpe, but didn't run. Win odds around 5.0 on here with 3/TBP to cover the stake.

Speaking of Nobel Style, my ante-post bet for the 2000 guineas went astray, but he's entered for a listed race at Newbury on Saturday and over a more suitable 6f trip. Hopefully he can show that my high opinion of him was warranted, or not as the case may be.

A very decent filly made my weekend and there's another running on the card (2.00) Free Wind, but i wouldn't want to be lumping on at 5/6. There's no doubting her ability, but only one run since September 2021 although she has won after shorter absences. Is the step down in trip in her favour, and this race could be part of her preparation for the Arc. The pace could be an issue and it wouldn't surprise me to see Sea La Rosa turn last years defeat around. I will be a small layer.

Looking at yesterdays results, no doubt Alan will be happy to have seen his Eagle Court's recent win franked by Vega Sicilia finishing runner-up off a mark of 84 in the finale.

Good luck and have a nice Thursday all.

Tommy

Thank you, much appreciated.

G/L  ANDREW 

Morning Andrew
Just thought I would post a code I had got for next Thursday, Brigadier Gerard meeting at Sandown BG50 will get you admission for a tenner.
If it helps someone save money job done.
Good luck and hope NS wins the first at Newbury

Have a nice say ANDREW

Good morning, Andrew. You are correct I will sadly be missing this years Brigadier Gerard Stakes, too much to do. I hope to be going to Champions Day at Ascot and anything else will be spur of the moment stuff.

Hi Andrew,I don't think stepping back from 8f to 6f has to take the edge of sprinters.Last years July Cup winner Alcohol Free for example was a group 1 winner at a mile.A more extreme example would be Ajdal of Stoute and Swinburn who ran in the Derby before winning the July cup.I think he also won a GR1 at 5f I don't if you are old enough to remember him.I am sure I remember Jeremy Tree saying that any true classic horse would win the July Cup.I will follow you in with a small play on Gala Marceau.

Thanks for that Andrew,I would not have looked at Auteuil and had a bet there without you.

WD Andrew

Oh dear! PMU

I got some 8/1 Bet Boost EW and 7/1 2 place Cover bet.

Just seen 1.7 Euro Place, now I'm happy. 1.7 why?

Good afternoon Guys from a warm and sunny city of Ulm.

A 3 day weekend and i'm taking advantage of the 49 euro 'all over Germany' monthly rail ticket, currently in Ulm, circa 150 kms west of München, a city with old and new parts split by the River Danube and home to the tallest church in the world. I know the city well as i used to live near here during my previous stint working in Germany, it's well worth a visit.

A short post whilst taking a coffee and my first since Sunday, a good day with the only selection Gala Marceau winning the French Triumph hurdle at ISP of 13/2 (better on here) recovering some of my Noble Style losses.

A good afternoon of racing with group racing at 3 venues including a couple of sprints at Haydock and the 2000 Guineas across the Irish sea. AOB is well represented as expected and Little Big Bear is the likely winner of the Sandy Lane stakes (3.00) but not with my money, albeit i wouldn't lay it either. On 2022 form he should win easily, but i feel it's a race to watch.

When i noticed the ante-post odds for the Temple stakes (3.30) a few days ago i was surprised to see The Platinum Queen as favourite good filly though she undoubtedly is, but she was receiving all the 2 year old allowances last season and had a lot of racing. Picked up for a crazy price of 1,2 million guineas at the Tattersalls mares sale by new connections, obviously with breeding in mind, she will have to win a few group races to eat into this and i don't think it will be today, in fact i will lay her 3TBP. I would have layed for the win as well, but the odds have drifted too much. She may make the running with Live In The Dream who was touched off in the Palace House at Newmarket earlier in the month and i feel this one is the W/3TBP bet (currently 9.20/3.20).

Any favourite with connections such as Juddmonte/Gosden/Frankie is going to be popular, but has the handicapper overrated Covey (2.25) even though he won easily LTO. The form is ordinary to say the least and this is a decent field. I would be a layer at 3.20.

For shortie backers i think the Paddy Twimey trained Nocha Magica is worth a sensible stake in the G3 Marble Hill stakes at the Curragh (1.55) who looked impressive at Cork over 5f on debut and could be decent. Different going this afternoon and up in trip to 6f, but each could actually be a positive. Mind you anything AOB runs here has to be respected as he's win the race on 12 occasions.

Good luck and have a nice Saturday all.

PHS

Thanks for the ttt

I backed it 3 places at 1.56,couldnt believe it.

Won easy.

Unlucky with Nocha Magica just got chinned.

I got Covey completely wrong, heavily backed late on, an inspired Frankie front running ride had most of the field off the bridle some way from home and he won very easily as you both alluded to, albeit having run of the race. A pattern race is probably on he cards next.

Although he didn't really know for sure, Frankie mentioned the Britannia.

Just seen the distances in the Grp 1 at Longchamp; 1/2L between the first 5 (6 ran).

Good afternoon Guys,

Run-of-the-mill cards today and there isn't anything running that's interesting, at least to my eyes, although the 2 day Epsom classic meeting is approaching.

I rarely post tennis selections, even though i like the sport, but i did with Iga Switaek (@ 6/4) in the Womens tournament last year and she duly obliged, relatively easy as well.

I've backed her to win again (albeit slightly lower odds than 2022) currently 2.12 on BF. She came through her first-round match on Tuesday with ease as expected and faces another non-seed later this afternoon that shouldn't be a problem. In my opinion, there's only 3 women that can win the final and she will meet one in the semis if both play to form.

She's had a bit of mixed year, but this is her tournament (winner in 2020 and 2022) and post Tuesday has a career clay court wins/match record of 123/144 (85.4%). Clay surfaces differ at various venues, but Roland Gardens is one of the best and one she excels on. Probably a bit more difficult to win this year, many seeds went out early last year, but i expect her to win. It could also be a trade as she will not be anywhere close to 2.12 if she makes the final (or even the semi).

Good luck and have a nice Thursday all.

Madhatters

If you're looking in, congratulations to Luton Town FC gaining promotion to the Premiership, an incredible achievement for such a small team and a massive boost for the town (i've never been, except to the aiport). Survival will be the milestone of course, difficult, but not impossible. Good luck.

Afternoon Alan,

A deliberate mistake to check if anyone is actually reading this thread

Seriously, lack of concentration/reviewing on my part before i posted. I knew the tennis venue was Roland Garros, even though i've never been, albeit passed there enough times on the way to Longchamp.

No reason why they cant stay up, my team were in prem for few years your expecting a huge gulf in footballing class in first few matches which is not usually visible apart from the big boys, its the Jan/Feb that takes its toll when the squad comes into its own.

Good afternoon Guys from a cloudy, albeit pleasantly warm Linköping.

Back in my adopted home for a long weekend after arriving at Arlanda/Stockholm late Friday night. Stayed in an airport hotel and spent most of yesterday in the capital. I didn't see any racing or have a bet and my plan to watch the football in a pub went astray although i did eat in a latter.

Typical Sunday racecards domestically although there is the German 1000 guineas with a couple of GB runners and a decent meeting at Chantilly with the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) and 4 other group races.

I will only be backing one with any resemblance of confidence, Simca Mille in the Grand Prix de Chantilly (1.43) a horse i've mentioned a few times here over the past year. Better class than these and the only questuon mark is the going that is likely to be faster than anything he's encountered before in France. I expect him to win although the odds reflect this.

If so, i will have a much smaller stake on my current favourite owner/trainer/jockey combination (aka Blue Rose Cen) and Big Rock in the classic (3.05). This one has improved out of recognition winning 4 on the spin since moving to tbe astute Christopher Head, going from handicap to G3 (twice) in the process.

Up in trip slightly and G1 this afternoon, but he's been winning with such authority and could still be improving. Well drawn in stall 2 and will probably make all. As with the previous selection the better going is an unknown, but around 3/1 is worth a small stake.

Good luck and have a nice Sunday all.

Madhatters

Luton will win games, but i suspect even the most ardent fan expects a relegation battle, it would be the same with my lot (Bristol City). As you say, a new stadium and parachute  as well as benefits for the town will be consolation even if the worst occurs. I wish Bristol had such issues to face although our stadium is decent.

PHS

Thanks for the ttt, but i had a racing free, relaxing time yesterday

Good afternoon Guys,

A couple of selections at Chantilly yesterday with mixed results, the well backed 'good thing' Simca Mille (2/5) won easily by 3.5L (different class) and although i was matched on here, nowhere near the 1.68 that was available in the morning, but liquidity on non-Arc meetings is poor at the best of times. Much lower odds than i expected, but at least it paid for my afternoon/evening tab and a free bet as below.

In the Prix Du Jockey Club (French Derby) Big Rock (5/2) led from the stalls more or less as expected from an inside draw and quickened in the home straight to go 3L up with 300 metres to run. Looked very likely to win (probably short IR) but Ace Impact was just getting going and came with a strong run to win impressively, going away almost reminiscent of Enable v Waldgeist in the 2019 Arc. Big Rock ran well in a good field and did all the donkey work, but the winner (unbeaten in 4 runs) looks decent and broke the track record in the process, fast by 4.67 secs compared to standard times.

Bookmaker reaction was expected and he's now the Arc favourite with some books, although i suspect the usual French/GB 10f races will be intended targets before October, the going will be much different and there's a trio of decent 3 year French fillies to beat (all likely to meet in the Prix Diane in less than 2 weeks).

An ordinary race-card day in GB/Ireland this afternoon and there wasn't anything that jumped off the page when i looked earlier. If i do back anything it will be the lightly raced Imperative (3.45 Ayr) a course winner over 2f shorter LTO, but stayed on well. Prior to this was a good 2nd on the AW after a lengthy break and being transferred from Charlie Hills. Up 4 lb but it doesn't look a strong field by any means and there's room for improvement. Currently best price 13/8 with 365, a small win stake if i do play.

6 runners, trained by 3 Scottish based trainers, but i would be cynical if i was to suggest any inkling of collusion.

My last full day in a lovely sunny Linköping, a pity as tomorrow is 'Sveriges Nationaldag' a public holiday that is a big celebration here, second only to Midsummer day later this month, so the city will be lively tonight/tomorrow. Never mind, a short week for me as Thursday is Corpus Christi day in Germany, so only a 3 day working week for me. Actually less than 3, as i stay in Schiphol late tonight, with an early flight to München tomorrow morning, so i should get to my DLR office after 11.

Good luck and have a nice Monday all.